Congressional Staffer Dies After Catching Fire. Her Mom Says She Made Heartbreaking Plea When Help Arrived

Regina Santos-Aviles, a congressional staffer for Rep. Tony Gonzales, died in Texas over the weekend, officials said.

Emergency medical services, police, and fire departments were called to a home in Uvalde on Saturday, Sept. 13, shortly after 9:30 p.m., the Uvalde Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE.

Local authorities told the San Antonio Express-News that Santos-Aviles, 35, had burns when they arrived at her property.

“When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher,” fire chief Mario Range told the outlet. “At the same time, EMS personnel were attending to a female who had suffered burns. She was transported by EMS and, at some point, flown to a San Antonio hospital.”

She was pronounced dead the following morning, according to KSAT and Texas Public Radio.

Although an investigation is still ongoing, Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado said there is no sign of foul play. The Uvalde Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Rangers Division are investigating.

Her cause of death is being investigated by the local medical examiner’s office, but her family says her death was accidental, according to the San Antonio Express-News and KSAT.

Santos-Aviles’ mother, Nora Ann Gonzalez, who found her daughter outside her home, told the newspaper that her daughter was still conscious when EMS arrived and transported her by helicopter to a local hospital.

“The last thing she said is, ‘I don’t want to die,’ ” her mother said. “And they told her, ‘We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of.’ ”

She leaves behind an 8-year-old son, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Santos-Aviles’ LinkedIn profile shows she began working as a regional director for the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2021.

“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community,” Rep. Gonzales said in a statement to Texas Public Radio. “She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”

Police confirmed they are “working closely with the victim’s family, who are fully cooperating with our investigators during this difficult time.”

“As your Chief of Police, my heart goes out to the family and friends who are grieving. In times of loss, our greatest duty is to stand together, support one another, and honor the memory of those we have lost,” Delgado added.